Seen as leaders and trusted figures in their communities, people turn to priests for guidance. This includes providing a range of pastoral and sacramental support.
Help seminarians bring hope to communities in most need
More than a leader in faith, priests play a vital role in supporting communities around the world through education, health and social services. Despite the need, aspiring priests face a long learning timeframe, and with limited resources in the seminary, these hurdles become significant in completing their studies.
Seminarians like Clintino, who grew up in a poor family. Once he was old enough, he was expected to find work to provide financial assistance for his family. Yet he felt a calling to service. Despite the pressure to help his family, Clintino followed his calling to the presthood and enrolled in the seminary.
Today his family continues to support his dreams selflessly, but the hurdles remain to completing his formation for the priesthood.
Once he attains priesthood, Clintino hopes to visit remote and regional communities in Timor-Leste, to deliver much needed spiritual and practical support and ensure everyone is given the opportunity to hear the word of God.
Your help ensures Clintino and seminarians like him are supported throughout their journey to the priesthood, to provide care for communities around the world.
How do priests support the wider community?
The church also supports communities through a variety of initiatives that provide social enrichment, education and healthcare benefits.
Many of these services are designed to be delivered to communities not just locally, but also in remote regions, often where the need is strongest.
By working closely with local government, the Church plays a vital role in ensuring the needs of the community are both heard and addressed.